Frenship ISD earns recognized rating

Frenship Independent School District was awarded a recognized rating by the Texas Education Agency on Friday, and all schools except Frenship High School were awarded exemplary status.

Frenship High School was rated as recognized.

Superintendent David Vroonland said the TEA ratings are based on academic performance, dropout rates among middle school students and high school completion rates.

Vroonland said the middle school dropout rate is not a factor for Frenship.

“I’ve never been around a district where it affects their rating,” he said. While Frenship’s test scores improved this year, including dramatic improvements in science, only its completion rate held it back from being considered an exemplary school, Vroonland said. Five of about 350 students did not complete high school. The student completion rate was 98.3 percent.

However, Frenship has filed an appeal regarding the completion rate percentage and subsequent rating. One of the five students who did not complete high school is considered a displaced student due to Hurricane Katrina.

“This could actually change for us in a couple of months. We won’t know until October,” said Vroonland. “Because our non-completers were so small in number, to have one student hold that much value tells you there is a little problem with the system.”

At the same time, Vroonland said the district is very pleased with meeting the expectations of the state.

“Your rating is one word. What you really care about isn’t that word, but the performances behind it,” he said.

And the improvements in student scores on the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills, or TAKS, test, are reason to be thrilled, Vroonland said. He attributed the improvements to the hard work of students, teachers, staff, parents and community.

To comment on this story:

karen.michael@lubbockonline.com • 766-8726

terry.greenberg@lubbockonline.com • 766-8700

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.